DECEMBER 2019 Nº 37

NAVIGATING POLITICS WITH DIGNITY IN THE NEW DECADE

Impeachments hearings. Democratic primaries. Schools unsure how to constructively support their students’ expressing opposing political opinions. In our personal lives, we often find ourselves frustrated, silenced, or alienated in our relationships with those who see the world differently.

Our democracy can only survive if we commit in our words and deeds that disagreements aren’t always acts of disrespect. We must strive together to strengthen the environment for civil discourse. 

Parents and schools across the country were unprepared after the result of the 2016 election. Many adults not only struggled with their own reactions but also felt helpless and uncomfortable discussing the new political landscape with young people. Students we work with reported that many adults in their communities were either paralyzed with anxiety or gloating in their response to the election; none of which gave young people what they needed: conversations with adults they trusted.  

We need to rethink our approach and support each other. We need to work together to provide the best possible resources. To that end, we have partnered with educational consultant, Jen Cort, to create a new initiative, Navigating Politics with Dignity in the New Decade. As we put things together, we are asking our community to tell us what you need. 

Please fill out this survey to tell us how we can best support you: